Tavaar - 53rd Edition

“I also note your recommendations on promotions,” said Sampka. “You advise we retain the three you named squad leaders, and promote them all to first lieutenant. How so? The custom is to make new officers second lieutenants, and place them over village forces.”

“Except that this company has suffered the loss of nearly its entire command. Only lieutenant Nayvahl remains. I am thinking it would be good to keep the company together.”

“Speaking of lieutenant Nayvahl, you mention him, too. You state that if a permanent commander is to be taken from this company, it should be lieutenant Nayvahl, and that he should be promoted to captain. Why him and not you? Are you not now in command?”

“Yes, General. However, I should not be. With the departure of our other officers, Nayvahl was the only officer we had. He should have been given command.”

“They why did you not give it to him?” asked Sampka.

Tavaar took a breath. “Command had been given to me. I was not leaving. To change an order simply because I did not agree with it did not seem proper.”

Sampka was without expression. He considered Tavaar a moment before continuing. “You also suggest your own promotion to first lieutenant, as well as Ahzbah and Vohbiv, assuming Nayvahl is made captain.”

“Yes, General.”

Sampka sat without speaking. He was studying Tavaar’s report. “You give special praise to your second in command and three squad leaders, particularly in terms of the mission. How do you know how they behaved if you were not with them?”

“The warriors entered the trap, General. They would only have done that had the squad leaders done their jobs well.”

Sampka nodded. “And you give one official criticism: to Wheylin.”

Tavaar felt her face flush. “It was Wheylin who Khaiu saw.”

“An official criticism for a solitary offense? In a test?”

“I do not see testing to be a thing for the lone warrior alone. It is also a chance for the company to demonstrate its skills. Wheylin has been with the company two years. I deem he should have known better.”

“He is your husband, is he not?”

“Yes. But I do not believe in granting special favor to those who are close to me.”

“Yet you seem to have no trouble with the reverse. No matter. You have other items which can be gone over privately. As to the promotions, we will wait for the moment. In lieu of what has happened, the eyes of the entire High Command are going to examine this company. Even before Captain Kelenbah’s departure there was talk. Rumors have abounded around this company for some time, but in the last year they have become – a thing of concern. Part of the reason for doing this test was to initiate proceedings. It was thought that some may wish to leave military service. Others might be reassigned.”

Tavaar’s heart went cold.